Cumin-Crusted Swordfish Steaks with Avocado Salsa
Experience the vibrant flavors of the ocean with this Cumin-Crusted Swordfish recipe. The aromatic spice rub creates a golden, crispy crust that locks in the moisture of the succulent swordfish steaks, making each bite irresistible. Paired with a refreshing avocado salsa that adds a creamy contrast and a zesty finish from lime, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering. Additionally, you can prepare a larger batch of the spice rub and store it for future use, making this recipe both versatile and convenient. Not only does it work beautifully with swordfish, but it also enhances other firm white fish such as halibut, chicken breasts, and lamb chops.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Swordfish steaks
2 (about 1/2 inch thick, patted dry)
Cumin seeds
3 teaspoons (crushed)
Avocado
1 (halved, stoned, peeled, and diced)
Scallions
3 (washed, trimmed, and finely chopped)
Lime
1 (juiced and finely zested)
Tomatoes
2 (washed, deseeded, and chopped)
Paprika
1 teaspoon
Ground ginger
1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your broiler to medium heat or prepare your barbecue grill.
2
2. In a pestle and mortar (or using a rolling pin in a bowl), crush the cumin seeds, paprika, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon together until well combined. If desired, add a pinch of salt.
3
3. Pour the spice mixture onto a flat plate. Pat the swordfish steaks dry with paper towels, then press both sides of the steaks into the spice mixture until fully coated.
4
4. Place the seasoned swordfish on a broiler pan or grill and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the fish is cooked through, flakes easily with a fork, and has a beautifully crisp exterior. Cooking times may vary based on thickness and cooking method.
5
5. While the fish is cooking, prepare the avocado salsa by combining diced avocado, chopped scallions, lime juice, lime zest, and chopped tomatoes in a bowl. Gently mix to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill until serving.
6
6. Once cooked, remove the swordfish from the heat. Serve hot with a generous spoonful of the avocado salsa, a fresh green salad, and lime wedges for an extra burst of brightness.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
9g
Carbs
23g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cumin-Crusted Swordfish Steaks with Avocado Salsa?
It is a seafood dish featuring swordfish steaks coated in an aromatic spice rub and served with a zesty, creamy avocado salsa.
How many calories are in this swordfish recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What spices are used for the cumin crust?
The crust is made from cumin seeds, paprika, ground ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
How thick should the swordfish steaks be?
The recipe recommends using swordfish steaks that are about 1/2 inch thick.
What other fish can I use besides swordfish?
This recipe also works beautifully with other firm white fish, such as halibut.
Can I use this spice rub for meat?
Yes, the spice rub also enhances chicken breasts and lamb chops.
How do I prepare the spice mixture?
Crush the cumin seeds, paprika, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon together using a pestle and mortar or a rolling pin in a bowl.
What are the two recommended cooking methods?
You can either cook the swordfish under a broiler on medium heat or on a barbecue grill.
How long does it take to cook the swordfish?
The fish should be cooked for 8-10 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the swordfish is done?
The fish is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and has a crisp exterior.
What is in the avocado salsa?
The salsa consists of diced avocado, chopped scallions, lime juice, lime zest, and chopped tomatoes.
Can I make the spice rub in advance?
Yes, you can prepare a larger batch of the spice rub and store it for future use.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 12g of fat per serving.
How many grams of protein are in this recipe?
There are 23g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
This dish contains 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
What equipment is needed to crush the seeds?
A pestle and mortar is recommended, but you can also use a rolling pin in a bowl.
Should I add salt to the fish?
You can add a pinch of salt to the spice mixture if desired and season the salsa to taste with salt and pepper.
How do I prepare the swordfish before seasoning?
Pat the swordfish steaks dry with paper towels before pressing them into the spice mixture.
What should I serve with the swordfish?
It is best served with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa, a fresh green salad, and lime wedges.
How should the avocado be prepared for the salsa?
The avocado should be halved, stoned, peeled, and diced.
Do I use both lime juice and zest?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 lime to be both juiced and finely zested.
How many tomatoes are needed for the salsa?
The recipe requires 2 tomatoes, which should be washed, deseeded, and chopped.
How should the scallions be processed?
Wash, trim, and finely chop 3 scallions for the salsa.
Is the salsa served hot or cold?
The salsa should be covered and chilled until it is time to serve it with the hot fish.
Is this recipe considered quick to make?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
What provides the golden crust on the fish?
The aromatic spice rub creates a golden, crispy crust that locks in moisture.
Can I use this recipe for a dinner party?
Yes, the recipe is described as being suitable for an impressive gathering.
How many swordfish steaks does the ingredient list specify?
The recipe uses 2 swordfish steaks.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 10.
What is the purpose of the lime wedges served at the end?
They are used for an extra burst of brightness on the finished dish.